A butyrophenone with anti-emetic, sedative and anti-anxiety properties. Although the exact mechanism through which droperidol exerts its effects is unknown, droperidol may block dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), which may lead to its anti-emetic effect. This agent may also bind to postsynaptic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), which increases the inhibitory effect of GABA and leads to sedative and anti-anxiety activities.

Definition (NCI_NCI-GLOSS)

A drug used to prevent nausea and vomiting in patients who receive anesthesia before surgery. It is also used to treat anxiety. Droperidol is a type of antiemetic, adjunct anesthesia, and antipsychotic.

Definition (MSH)

A butyrophenone with general properties similar to those of HALOPERIDOL. It is used in conjunction with an opioid analgesic such as FENTANYL to maintain the patient in a calm state of neuroleptanalgesia with indifference to surroundings but still able to cooperate with the surgeon. It is also used as a premedicant, as an antiemetic, and for the control of agitation in acute psychoses. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 29th ed, p593)

Definition (PDQ)

A butyrophenone with anti-emetic, sedative and anti-anxiety properties. Although the exact mechanism through which droperidol exerts its effects is unknown, droperidol may block dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), which may lead to its anti-emetic effect. This agent may also bind to postsynaptic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), which increases the inhibitory effect of GABA and leads to sedative and anti-anxiety activities. Check for "http://www.cancer.gov/Search/ClinicalTrialsLink.aspx?id=39227&idtype=1" active clinical trials or "http://www.cancer.gov/Search/ClinicalTrialsLink.aspx?id=39227&idtype=1&closed=1" closed clinical trials using this agent. ("http://nciterms.nci.nih.gov:80/NCIBrowser/ConceptReport.jsp?dictionary=NCI_Thesaurus&code=C458" NCI Thesaurus)